Ativan

Ativan is the trade name of Lorazepam, a drug that falls in the benzodiazepine group of drugs that act as amnesics, anxiolytics, sedatives, antiemetics, anticonvulsants, and muscle relaxants.

Purchasing Information

There was a time when consumers could purchase Ativan only at land pharmacies and only if they had a prescription.

However, drug laws have become lenient of late, enabling consumers to purchase Ativan at online pharmacies even if they do not have a prescription. Ativan is also available online at very cheap rates.

Consumers must take certain precautions before purchasing Ativan online.

A number of unscrupulous, unlicensed pharmacies try selling Ativan that contains dangerous ingredients at cheap rates. Consumers must first make sure that the pharmacy they are purchasing from has the required license. They must also remember that cheap Ativan is not always the best.

How to Take Ativan

Ativan should be taken according to the doctor’s prescription only as a larger dose could cause unpleasant symptoms and a smaller dose will not have the desired effects. Ativan should, therefore, be taken only if the doctor prescribes it. Doctors can also change the dosage periodically to ensure the best results.

Ativan is a short-term medication that should never be taken without a doctor’s advice for more than 4 months. Consumers can easily get addicted to Ativan, owing to which it should never be taken by someone prone to get addicted to substances. Consumers must make sure that they store Ativan in a safe place, well out of the reach of children. While the dry form of Ativan can be stored at room temperature, the liquid form must be stored in the refrigerator.

Patients should never stop taking Ativan all of a sudden as it could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, muscle cramps, seizures, nausea, uncontrolled thoughts and behavior patterns, and others. A certified medical practitioner can help patients deal with these withdrawal symptoms.

As long as patients are taking Ativan, they need to visit the doctor regular to make sure that they are making progress and that Ativan is having the desired effect on them.

Ativan Side Effects

Ativan is not without side effects. It could cause severe allergic reactions, the signs of which are difficulties in breathing and swelling of the throat, tongue, and face. Patient who suspect that they are allergic to Ativan must stop taking it and see their doctor immediately.

Before Taking Ativan

Before taking Ativan, patients should make sure that they are not allergic to any benzodiazepine drugs. Ativan is also not for people suffering from glaucoma, emphysema, asthma, breathing disorders, liver and kidney disorders, depression and other mental disorders, and addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Pregnant women should not take Ativan as it can harm the fetus. If ever a woman becomes pregnant while on Ativan, she should immediately inform her doctor. As far as possible, female patients on Ativan should avoid getting pregnant. The medical world does not know if Ativan gets into breast milk, but it could, owing to which lactating mothers should avoid breast feeding their babies if they are on Ativan.

Elderly patients may feel sleepier than younger patients while they are taking Ativan. This may lead to lack of alertness, which may in turn lead to accidents and injuries. Therefore, elderly patients taking Ativan should be given special care.

Children below the age of 12 should not be given Ativan.

In Case of Overdose

Ativan overdose can lead to death, although it is rare. Patients who have taken more Ativan than necessary must immediately call their doctor or the nearest Poison Control Centre. Overdose of Ativan can lead to sleepiness, weakness, coma, confusion, and fainting.

Missed Dose

Patients who have forgotten to take their prescribed dose can take it as soon as they remember; however, they must avoid taking two doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose as this could lead to an overdose.

Ativan FAQ

How long does Ativan take to take effect?

Ativan effects are almost instantaneous, and patients will feel the effects within 1 – 5 minutes if they take it intravenously, 15 – 20 minutes if they take it as a muscular injection, and 1 – 6 hours if they take it orally.

What drugs does Ativan interact with?

Ativan could react with drugs such as Clozaril, birth control pills, caffeine, stimulants, Lithium, CNS depressants such as Perocet, Dilantin, tobacco, marijuana, sedatives, and alcohol. When taken with Lithium, it could cause a fall in body temperature. When taken will narcotics, it was cause drowsiness. When taken with other benzodiazepine drugs and sedatives, it can cause death. When taken with alcohol, it can make the patient unconscious.

What does Ativan contain?

Ativan tablets are white and do not dissolve in water. Each tablet can contain 2mg, 1mg, or .5mg of lorazepam. Ativan in liquid form is injected either into veins or muscles. A milliliter of liquid Ativan comprises 2mg or 4mg of lorazepam.

What should patients on Ativan avoid?

Patients on Ativan must avoid any activity requiring a sharp and alert mind, such as driving vehicles or operating machinery. They should also avoid alcohol.

Can Ativan cause addiction?

Since Ativan is a benzodiazepine drug, it is addictive and cannot be stopped all at once as it is associated with unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. A patient who regularly takes Ativan for over 3 months may feel that he/she has gotten addicted to it. This is why patients should never take Ativan until and unless their doctor prescribes it for them.